Looking for a safe and stable way to earn a fixed monthly income? The Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) offers just that. With a one-time deposit, you can receive guaranteed monthly interest payouts for five years. It’s a trusted option for those who value capital protection over high returns, especially retirees and conservative investors.
Table of Contents
Summary Table: Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
Scheme Name |
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) |
Minimum Investment |
₹1,500 |
Maximum Investment (Single) |
₹4.5 lakh |
Maximum Investment (Joint) |
₹9 lakh |
Interest Rate (as of now) |
7.4% p.a. (subject to quarterly revision) |
Monthly Income on ₹5.55 lakh |
Approx. ₹3,426 |
Lock-in Period |
5 years |
Premature Withdrawal |
Allowed after 1 year with penalty |
Tax Benefits |
None under Section 80C |
Risk Level |
Very Low (Govt. backed) |
Official Website |
What is the Post Office Monthly Income Scheme?
POMIS is a government-backed savings scheme offered through India Post. It is designed to generate consistent monthly income through interest payouts. When you invest a lump sum in POMIS, you earn fixed monthly interest over a five-year term. This makes it ideal for individuals who seek predictable and secure returns.
Key Features of POMIS
- Guaranteed Returns: Monthly interest payouts at a fixed rate.
- Government-Backed: High safety with virtually no risk of default.
- Flexible Investment Limits: Invest as low as ₹1,500 or up to ₹9 lakh in joint accounts.
- Easy Accessibility: Available at all post office branches in India.
- Premature Withdrawal: Option to exit early (after one year) with a nominal penalty.
Who Should Consider POMIS?
- Senior citizens seeking a pension-like monthly income.
- Homemakers and professionals needing supplementary income.
- Parents or guardians investing for a minor’s future.
Eligibility Criteria
Criterion |
Details |
Minimum Age |
18 years (minors can invest via guardian) |
Residency |
Indian residents only |
Account Type |
Individual or Joint |
KYC Documents |
Required |
Post Office Account |
Mandatory to receive monthly interest |
Note: NRIs are not eligible to invest in POMIS.
How Much Can You Earn?
The actual returns depend on the investment amount and prevailing interest rates. At a 7.4% annual rate:
Investment Amount |
Approx. Monthly Return |
₹1,50,000 |
₹925 |
₹3,00,000 |
₹1,850 |
₹5,55,555 |
₹3,426 |
₹9,00,000 (Joint) |
₹5,550 |
Be cautious of exaggerated claims. Based on current rates, earning ₹22,222/month from ₹5.55 lakh is unrealistic.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
- Visit the nearest Post Office that offers savings services.
- Collect and fill out the application form for POMIS.
- Submit required KYC documents: PAN, Aadhaar, passport-size photo, address proof.
- Open a Post Office Savings Account, necessary for crediting interest.
- Deposit the investment amount via cheque or DD.
- Receive passbook and account confirmation upon successful account opening.
Pros of Investing in POMIS
- Predictable monthly income
- High capital safety
- Simple account management
- Suitable for a wide range of individuals
Cons and Risks
Risk/Drawback |
Explanation |
Fixed Interest Rate |
Not linked to market fluctuations |
No Inflation Protection |
Real returns may decline over time |
Taxable Interest |
Earnings taxed per your income bracket |
No Tax Saving |
No deductions under Section 80C |
Exit Penalty |
Early closure attracts minor penalties |
Investment Cap |
Limits potential for higher monthly income |
Comparison with Other Schemes
Scheme Name |
Monthly Income (on ~₹5.5L) |
Tax Benefits |
Risk Level |
Lock-in |
POMIS |
₹3,426 |
No |
Low |
5 years |
Bank FD (5-yr Tax Saving) |
Varies |
Yes (80C) |
Low |
5 years |
Senior Citizen Scheme |
~₹7,500 |
Yes (80C) |
Low |
5 years |
Atal Pension Yojana |
₹1K–₹5K (on maturity) |
Yes |
Low |
Till age 60 |
Debt Mutual Funds |
Market dependent |
Yes (80C) |
Moderate |
Flexible |
Things to Consider Before Investing
- Is your priority monthly income or long-term growth?
- Are you comfortable locking funds for five years?
- Can you handle taxable returns?
- Is guaranteed capital protection your main goal?
If your answers lean toward stability and low risk, POMIS is an excellent option. However, for goals like wealth creation or tax saving, consider combining it with other options like ELSS, PPF, or SIPs in mutual funds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can NRIs invest in POMIS?
Ans. No, only resident Indians are eligible.
Q2. Is the interest earned taxable?
Ans. Yes, interest is taxable as per your income tax slab.
Q3. Can I withdraw the amount before 5 years?
Ans. Yes, after 1 year with applicable penalties.
Q4. How is the interest paid?
Ans. Monthly, directly to your Post Office Savings Account.
Q5. Can I reinvest after maturity?
Ans. Yes, you can open a new account with the maturity amount.
Final Verdict
POMIS is a well-structured scheme ideal for those seeking financial stability through a safe monthly income stream. Its simplicity, security, and steady returns make it a solid choice for retirees and conservative investors. However, keep in mind the limitations such as taxation and lack of inflation-adjusted growth.
For diversified financial planning, you may consider pairing POMIS with tax-saving or market-linked instruments based on your goals.
For more details or to find your nearest post office, visit the official website: www.indiapost.gov.in
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